"Damn it" Brett said, frustrated. He quickly grabbed his phone dialling Puck's number.
P- "Hey man"
B- "Quinn's on her way over to your place"
P- "What do you mean, she just left"
B- "I know she walked in on Santana and I in a….. compromising position"
P- "shit, I think I may have caused this"
B- "What do you mean?"
P- "Quinn came over earlier to talk. She told me that she found San's phone in your bed and that she thought something was going on. I wasn't going to tell her that she was obviously right so I tried to encourage her to talk to you guys. That's what she was planning on doing when she left my place."
B- Groans, "a warning would have been nice but it's not your fault. I just assumed she would be late or not even come home because she was at yours"
P- "Dude I'm sorry, was she pissed?"
B- "oh she was pissed, called San a slut and yelled at the both of us"
P- "I've known them both for a long time, they have said worse things to each other. They just need some time"
B- "It wasn't supposed to happen like this. I was literally going to talk to her tomorrow."
P- "Everything is going to be fine. I'll talk to Quinn when she gets here and you talk to San. You're her brother and Santana is her best friend, she won't be mad forever"
B- "you're right. Can you just send me a text when she gets there so I know she's okay"
P- "Of course, Bye man"
B- "Bye" *Hangs up the phone*
Brett turned back toward Santana who still hasn't moved from her spot. He stepped forward so he was in front of her. "Hey, everything will be okay" Brett whispered, caressing her cheek. Santana looked up. Her face showed no emotion. "She hates me" Santana whispered. "No she doesn't, Quinn is just mad. You know she loves you." he said, tucking her hair behind her ear. Brett watched as she pulled away and quickly wiped the lone tear that managed to escape away. "I am going to shower" Santana said.
Brett caught her by the waist, "Please let's just talk" he pleaded. "I will, I just need a second alone," Santana said. He could see in her eyes that she was begging him to just let her go, so that's what he did. Santana left the kitchen and went to the bathroom.
Brett groaned and ran his fingers through his hair. While Santana was in the shower Brett got started on cleaning up. How could this night have started off bad then get good just to go back to bad again so quickly. On one side he had his little sister. The person he always vowed to protect, the only person from his family that he truly loved. On the other side was the girl that was slowly healing him. Showing him the happiness that he never really had. What the hell was a guy to do in this situation.
"You didn't need to clean everything up by yourself" Santana said. Brett turned around to face the beautiful latina. She was no longer covered in brownie batter and flour instead had on a t-shirt and sweatpants. Her hair was wet but she left it down to curl naturally. "It's no big deal, had some time to kill and I wouldn't want you to get all dirty again." Brett replied. "Why don't you go shower and I'll clean up our plates from dinner," She said. Brett just nodded. As he walked by, Brett stopped in front of her. He leaned down and placed a gentle kiss on the top of her head before continuing to the bathroom.
Santana continued to clean up the dishes that were left in the living room. Just as she finished the brownies were done so she pulled them from the oven. The smell enveloped the kitchen.
Santana poured herself some more of the expensive bourbon, boy she really needed a drink. "Fill me up" Brett said, coming into the kitchen and holding out his glass. She poured him a hefty glass before placing it back on the counter. Brett took a large sip, liking the burn it caused going down his throat. "I had a lot of reservations about tonight but let me tell you not once did I think that was going to happen" Brett said with a chuckle.
"Do you think I seduced you?" Santana asked, finally making eye contact. Brett looked at her in disbelief. "Tana" he said. "Was what Quinn said true?" she asked again. "Like I said when Quinn was here, I do not think for one second you seduced me" Brett said making sure his voice was stern. He wanted to make sure that Santana absolutely knew that that was not the case. Brett could tell that she was still in her head. "Trust me, I saw your picture in Quinn's room and was immediately attracted. Then you showed up in that splatter paint leggings and sports bra, all sweaty. I was hooked before you even opened your mouth. Then when you did, you saw past my hard exterior and wanted to help me. That is not seduction" Brett explained.
Brett studied her eyes. He watched as they softened and Santana finally dawned a smile. "You remember what I was wearing when we first met?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow. "Hell yeah, how could I not?" he replied, laughing. Brett reached out grabbing her hand and pulled her close. "So now that Quinn knows about us, which we can figure out tomorrow. Can I take you out on that date?" He asked, smirking. Santana laughed.
How can this guy just be so nonchalant. His sister is literally fuming and he is worried about when he is going to take her out? "You want to go out now?" Santana asked. Brett chuckled, "Not now of course, this weekend! let me take you to dinner?" he asked. "We can't this weekend, Rachel planned that group karaoke night" Santana reminded him. Brett thought for a minute. Normally he would just suggest a later date but he didn't want to wait any longer. Then he remembered, "We aren't meeting till 9:30, let me take you out before. Pleaseeeee" Brett pleaded, sticking out his bottom lip. "Fine but you can never make that face again" Santana said, giggling.
Brett leaned down, kissing her gently before pulling back, "I can't wait" he whispered. Santana smiled, "Me either."
The two tried to enjoy the rest of the night together but the whole Quinn thing was definitely still looming. Puck did text Brett saying that she arrived safely but she hasn't texted the couple at all. So they decided to just chill on the couch and eat their brownies which were delicious.
As the show ended Santana stood up and stretched, "I think it's time for bed" she said, yawning. "You are definitely right," Brett chuckled, getting up after her. He bent over starting to pull the cushions off the couch. "What are you doing?" Santana asked. "Pulling out my bed" he replied, moving the last of the cushions. Santana reached out and grabbed his hand to stop him. "It's been a long night and the last thing you need is to have a nightmare and a shitty night sleep" she explained. "How am I supposed to just shut off the nightmares?" Brett asked. "You said sleeping with me made it better, sooo" Santana said pulling on his hand. "You want me to sleep in your room?" he asked, making sure that's what she meant.
Santana nodded and pulled him to her room. Santana pulled her hair back into a bun while Brett turned down the bed. "Do you care?" Brett asked, lifting his shirt up a bit. She looked over, "of course not" Tana replied. She watched him lift the shirt up and over his head. Making sure to pay extra close attention to his abs before looking away.
Brett turned off the main light while Santana turned on her desk light. A light glow illuminated the room, It wasn't too bright to sleep; just perfect. Both got on their respected sides almost like they have been doing for years. "Get over here" Brett said, pulling her closer, making her laugh. He wrapped his arm around her waist becoming the big spoon. She melted back into his embrace. "We will talk to Quinn tomorrow" Brett whispered, pressing a kiss to the back of her neck. Santana intertwined their hands, "Goodnight Brett." "Goodnight Tana."
I tried to open my eyes but they felt so heavy. I didn't want to move, I just wanted to fall asleep in my bed for as long as possible. I tried to move my hands but they were tied behind my back. That is when I remembered where I was. I wasn't in my military bed, I was tied to a chair. I was finally able to get my eyes open. Judging by the fuzzy view I know I was hit in the head at some point. Everything hurt.
I was alone. I looked around the room trying to figure out if there are clues that could point me in the right direction as to where I am. Earlier I was able to tell that I was underground but is nothing on the walls other than a rebel flag. My gun was gone and I bet they took it. My radio was also missing which means they either took it or I dropped it. I know I have been gone at least 24 hours which means my team knows that I am missing. They wouldn't leave me here, especially when I know the code to access the operation.
My chest still buzzed from the earlier electrical torture. I tried to wiggle my hands free but it was no use. These guys knew what they were doing, there was no way I was going to escape.
"Good morning sunshine" Aazar Ahmadi said walking back into the room. I stared back, I am not going to play into his little game. He pulled the chair from the corner placing it in front of me and took a seat. I would do anything to smack that smirk from his face right about now. "Brett, come on. We have been hunting each other for so long, I kinda consider us friends. Don't you agree?" he asked, smiling. I said nothing. Aazar started to laugh, "you know I am really impressed with you. I have been against the United States for so long. They have tried everything to get to me and nothing. But then you come along and find me not once but twice. How did you do it?" He asked.
He is right, the United States has been hunting him for years. When I joined Special Operations, I was able to piece together his location multiple times. He thinks he's smart, but so am I. "Still not going to talk, fine" Aazar said. He got up and walked out to the room. When he returned he was not empty handed. Once I saw the bucket and cloth I knew exactly what was going to happen.
He didn't waste much time before he placed the cloth over my face and started pouring the water. The water rolled down my throat. Everytime I tried to breathe there was just more water. The coughing fit was reflex, I tried to get the water out but there was just more. I don't know how long it went on for but everything started to get hazy. That's when it finally stopped. He pulled the cloth away and sat back down. I will never take breathing for granted again.
"All we need is your codes"he said, getting my attention again. I look at him. "You do realize that you need more than my codes right?" I said. He smiled, "I know, remember the guy I said told us to talk to you, well we got his codes" Aazar said smiling. Fuck. They really did only need my codes. "Now if you just give them to me, I'll let you go or you can come work with us" he said smiling. I scoffed, "I will never work for you" I said.
The door to the room opened abruptly. "He isn't going to tell us anything, let's just kill him and move on'' the guy yelled. I recognized him from all the work finding Aazar. Jabbar Ahmadi, Aazar's right hand man and brother. "We can't, we don't have time to find another one. He is the only person we know who definitely has codes'' Aazar said. Jabbar got in my face, "You have 3 seconds to tell me your fucking codes" he screamed. I smirked, I was not going to say anything. "Smile at me one more time and see what happens," Jabbar threatened. Of course I smiled at him. Jabbar grabbed something from his waist, it was a gun. "Don't you dare," Aazar said, trying to lunge for the gun but it was too late. I immediately felt my shoulder shatter and I screamed out.
Brett shot up, trying to catch his breath. He looked around the room. The only light was coming from the one that Santana left on earlier. Which means it was still night time. Brett pulled the blanket back and tried to get up but something was pinning his legs down. Brett looked down and saw a smooth, caramel colored leg stretched out over his. He looked over to his left.
Santana was still sound asleep, doing that cute little snore thing that she does. Brett moved the hair from her face. She looked so peaceful, so beautiful. Brett wanted to leave, go on the run he always goes on when he awakes from a nightmare but he didn't want to disturb Santana. Once he got his breathing under control, Brett laid back down on his back.
It was like Santana knew because immediately her arm moved over his waist. Her face nuzzled into his neck. Brett managed to wiggle his arm under and around her. He let his hand rest on her waist, gently rubbing her soft skin. Her soft snores made him smile. Brett leaned down and kissed her head. Even asleep, Santana still managed to help him. He slowly fell asleep focusing on the girl in his arms.
Santana slowly opened her eyes and was met with Brett's neck. She smiled and pulled her head back. Somehow in the middle of the night she managed to basically get on top of him. Her leg was flung over his and her arm was wrapped leisurely over his abdomen. Brett's arm however was wrapped tightly around her. His hand just above her hip, gripping her. It didn't hurt or anything but he was not relaxed. Yet based on his breathing, Brett was definitely asleep.
It made Santana wonder, how was he fast asleep yet gripping her like his life depended on it? She managed to get up a little higher so she could see his face that was facing the opposite way. He had a scowl on his face. Could he be having a bad dream, she thought. Santana placed a kiss on his neck, then another and another. She loved the feeling of his scruff against her. Santana continued, kissing up to his chiseled jaw. Brett's breathing started to change, he was waking up. She kissed across his jaw toward his ear. Santana felt Brett's hand squeeze her bare hip where her shirt rose up. She bit lightly on his ear lobe before speaking, "Good morning" Santana said, her voice extra raspy since she just woke up.
"Well this is a nice way to wake up" Brett said, making Santana laugh. "But I think I prefer you naked" he added, finally looking at her. Santana raised her eyebrow, "Oh really?" she asked. "Yup and maybe with your glasses on" he smiled. Santana laughed and pushed away from him, getting up. "Well I will keep that in mind but what the hell is your obsession with my glasses? She asked. "You look hot in them," Brett replied, smirking. Santana got off the bed and walked over to her dresser. She put on her glasses and turned around. Brett smiled, "Absolutely perfect" he said. She just shook her head, "so you going to tell me why I woke up with you clutching on to me?" Tana asked.
"You cuddled up to me in the middle of the night" Brett said. "I am not denying that I am a secret cuddler but I've never seen anyone sleep so tense. You were holding on to me like I was going to float away." she explained. Brett bit his lip and moved his eyes to avoid hers. "You had a nightmare didn't you?" Santana asked. Brett got up, "It wasn't bad," he said. "I don't care, I told you to wake me up if you had them, that way I could help you" she said. "You did help me Tana" Brett said, finally looking at her again. "I was asleep, how the hell did I help you?" Santana asked. "Well I was going to get up and go for a run but someone was all over me" Brett said, smirking. "Tell anyone that I am a cuddler and I will unleash Snix on you" Santana said, laughing.
"So I just got off the phone with Puck and he said that we should meet him at his apartment," Brett said, pulling on his t-shirt. "I still don't think it's a good idea, I think Quinn needs more time to figure this all out" Santana said. "No we are grown adults and just need to talk all this out" he said. "I think she said everything she wanted to last night" She mumbled. Brett just rolled her eyes, "I know but we still need to talk to her".
"Well I have nothing to say to her, if she wants to talk to me then she knows where to find me" Santana said walking out into the living room. "Tana" Brett said following close behind her. "No Brett she called me a slut last night and accused me of seducing you. The ball is in her court, we don't owe her anything" she said. "I understand that but she is my sister and after last night, you know how much she means to me. So please just come with me and we can hopefully put all this behind us" Brett pleaded. Santana groaned knowing that she couldn't say no to him.
Santana grabbed her leather jacket and threw it over her rolling stones t-shirt. "Let's get this over with" she said, walking past him. Brett grabbed her arm and spun her around. He caressed her cheek and leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her lips. Santana melted into him kissing back. Brett pulled away slowly, "Thank you" he whispered. Santana placed another chaste kiss before pulling him out the door.
Puck opened the door and motioned for them to come in. Santana and Brett both sat on the couch, "So where is she?" Santana asked. "She just ran out to get coffee, I thought it would be better if" Puck said before Santana cut him off, "You thought it would be better if we ambushed her" she said. "You and I both know she wouldn't show up if you asked her to," Puck explained. "Maybe not me but she would show up for him" she said pointing to Brett. "Who cares what is important is that we are all here and we are going to talk to Quinn" Brett said, putting an end to their bantering.
"You guys really pissed her off, you know" Puck said snickering. "I was going to talk to her today, I had it all planned out" Brett said. "But then she walked in on you licking brownie batter off of San" Puck said, laughing. "Shut up Puck, you make it sound so much worse than it was" Santana said. She threw a pillow at him but in all reality she wanted to smack him. "Was it good?" Puck asked, tapping Brett and grinning. "I am going to" San said, getting up to hit him but Brett pulled her back down. Before anyone could do or say anything else, Puck's front door opened.
"What the hell is this?" Quinn asked, shutting or should I say slamming the door. "We just want to talk to you Quinnie" Brett said, hoping to calm her down. "I am surprised you guys aren't at home screwing each other since I wasn't there" Quinn said, sitting next to Puck. "Really Q, you don't have to be a bitch" Santana said. "We didn't have sex last night but that doesn't even matter" Brett added. Quinn rolled her eyes. "I understand you are upset but have you ever looked at it from my point of view?" Brett said. Quinn said nothing but continued to stare at her brother.
"I have spent my entire adult life in the military, listening to my commanders and putting my life in jeopardy. Quinn I could have died out there so forgive me for coming home and getting to know a girl. Yes I understand that Santana is your best friend and you told me to stay away but neither of us planned any of this. I am getting to know her and I want to continue to get to know her" Brett said. Once he finished he leaned back against the couch waiting for her to reply. Puck looked over at Quinn but she still said nothing. "San I feel like we should give them a minute" Puck said, realizing that this may be a sibling issue. Santana looked at Brett who nodded, both San and Puck got up and went into the other room.
"Why didn't you tell me that you liked San?" Quinn asked, sounding hurt. "At first it was just harmless flirting and by the time I realized that it could be more I felt like I couldn't tell you. Quinn you were so adamant about us not seeing each other." Brett tried to explain. "That's because Santana doesn't do relationships," she said. "Whocares if she doesn't, that isn't what this is about is it?" Brett asked. Quinn looked down. Brett got up and sat next to his little sister. "What is this about?" he asked. "At first it was just because I knew you were her type and well it's weird to have your brother and bestfriend together." Quinn said with a little chuckle. "But then I had a feeling that you were talking to her more than me about your PTSD and everything. I guess I was just really jealous" Quinn admitted. Brett pulled her into a hug, "You have nothing to be jealous of, you are my little Quinnie who I love" Brett said smiling.
Quinn laughed and pulled away to look at her brother. "Right now is a clean slate for us. I am going to tell you something but you can't tell mom and Russell. The only person who knows is Aaron and Santana." Brett said. He took one of her hands, "I may have suggested that my injury was just a little shoulder injury" he said. Quinn looked concerned, "it wasn't?" she asked. Brett shook his head, "I was shot multiple times at close range. I was on the verge of death when my team found me. I spent a few weeks in a coma and the only reason you were not notified was because I changed my next of kin to be Aaron. I woke up in the ICU in Germany. I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry about me. The only reason Santana knew was because I came home late one night and ripped through some stitches, she helped me. I am sorry for not being honest but I truly thought you were better off not knowing" Brett explained.
Quinn's eyes were full of tears at this point, imaging her brother laying in a hospital bed alone. "Can I see? I need to know that what you are saying is real" Quinn said. Brett unbuttoned his shirt revealing the scarring on his shoulder and the large one extending down his chest. Quinn broke, Brett pulled her close into his chest. "No I don't want to hurt you" she said, trying to pull away. "It doesn't hurt, I am okay I promise" Brett said, holding on to her tight. The siblings stayed there for a minute or two just embracing each other.
"I promise that I didn't just tell Santana. She just happened to be there and figured it out. I guess I needed to talk about it and just didn't know until she got it out of me" Brett said. "Well Santana has always been very persuasive," Quinn said, laughing a bit which also made Brett laugh. "That she is" he replied. "You really like her don't you?" Quinn asked. Brett smiled thinking about the gorgeous latina. He nodded, "I do, she has really helped me through the nightmares. I even asked her on a date before group karaoke night" Brett said, grinning from ear to ear. "Listen I know I have said some messed up things about Santana but in reality, she is a pretty great person. She is stubborn and annoying sometimes but she is a hardcore friend." Quinn said. Brett nodded slightly, "Quinn, I am really sorry I never told you" he whispered. "I won't lie to you, I wish you told me the truth earlier but I am glad you told me. I just want to help you Brett" she said. "It's hard for me to accept help." Brett admitted. "I know, baby steps" Quinn replied, squeezing his hand. "Thank you" he said. "Just remember you hurt her, I hurt you" Quinn threatened, through her tears. Brett started laughing and so did Quinn.
"We hear laughing, does that mean everything is good?" Puck asked coming out of the bedroom, Santana was right next to him. Quinn quickly dropped Brett's hand and ran up to Santana. She threw her arms around her best friend's neck, pulling her close. Santana immediately wrapped her arms around Quinn's waist. Puck stared at the two, kinda shocked but he stepped away to give them some room.
"Do you think we could talk?" Quinn asked, pulling away. Santana nodded and walked toward Puck's room with Quinn close behind. The girls closed the door and sat on the couch in his room. "I fucked up" Quinn said, breaking the silence. "yup" Santana replied in a sassy tone. "I am sorry for what I said to you. We have known each other for so long, I knew that what I said was going to piss you off." Quinn explained. "I wanted to get you mad because when I walked in and saw you and my brother, I was pissed." Quinn said. "Listen, I understand that I went behind your back but don't insinuate that I would put my sexual needs above our friendship." Santana said. "In that moment, that is what it felt like" Quinn said, trying to get Santana to understand. "I didn't start this thing with Brett to get you angry. I don't even really know how it started but I wanted to tell you. I wanted to drink wine and tell you all about the guy I liked but I was scared of how you were going to react." San explained. "We both went about this all wrong." Quinn mumbled.
"I should have never made you feel that you couldn't have come to me. You're my best friend, you should always feel like you can come to me. I am so sorry San." Quinn said, letting a few tears fall. Santana reached up and wiped away her tears. "I am sorry too Q, I should have told you. You didn't deserve to just walk in on us like that" San said. Quinn pulled the latina into a tight hug, Santana reciprocated it, hugging her tight. "Q, can I ask you a question?" Santana asked, pulling away. Quinn nodded. "Why did you not want us to get together?" she asked. "At first I thought it would be weird that my best friend and brother were together but the more I think about it, it really has nothing to do with you. Brett just left one day and didn't come back for years. Then he gets injured and finally comes home. I thought I was going to get my brother back but then he makes this connection with you and trusts you more than me. He was honest to you." Quinn said, sadly.
Santana felt really bad especially knowing all about their home life. She didn't know how much Quinn saw since she was so young but because of this, Santana knew Quinn was affected more than anyone thought. "You didn't want anyone to take your brother away, again" San said. Quinn thought for a second, "Yeah I guess you're right." Quinn said. Santana grabbed her hands, "You are his sister and I know that he loves you so much. Noone can come between a sibling bond." She said. Quinn's eyes fluttered, trying to get the tears to go away. "I think you're really good for him" Quinn admitted. Santana smiled, "Really?" she asked. "He needs a girl that is hardcore loyal, someone that will fight for him and make him face his fears so his mental health doesn't distroy him because he is a really good guy. You need someone who is going to treat you with respect. A guy who is going to flaunt your accomplishments because you're amazing. I think you guys need each other." Quinn said. Santana was kinda taken back by Quinn's declaration. Maybe Quinn was right, she needed Brett just as much as Brett needed her. "Hey" Quinn said, squeezing her hands. "Don't get all up in your head, I am not saying run away and get married. Just see where it goes because you have my support" Quinn said, laughing.
Santana laughed, Quinn knew her so well. "What would I do without you?" Sanatan said, putting her head on Quinn's shoulder. "I am still your best friend?" Quinn asked, hopeful. Santana laughed, "Of course, you would need to do a lot more then call me a slut to get rid of me" she said laughing. "So does that mean I can help you pick out an outfit for your date Saturday?" Quinn asked, hopeful. "I wouldn't want anyone else!" Santana admitted.
*I wanted to make sure people really saw Quinn in this chapter. Her brother was her best friend until he was literally ripped away. Seeing someone be his person did not sit well with her. Hopefully now you guys will like her a little more. Please don't forget to comment! *
